Our Father’s Ride 2016: Two Priests Going the Distance for Catholic School Education

Posted by mzone0, Community Contributor

Fr. Smith, of St. John the Evangelist Parish and School in Watertown will pedal the distance for Catholic school education. He hopes to raise money to repair the school's roof.

Fr. Smith, of St. John the Evangelist Parish and School in Watertown will pedal the distance for Catholic school education. He hopes to raise money to repair the school's roof. (Posted by mzone0, Community Contributor)

Community Contributor mzone0

On Wednesday, June 1st, Rev. James Sullivan, administrator of Assumption Parish and School in Ansonia, and Reverend Anthony Smith, will begin a special charity bike ride called, "Our Father's Ride," from Ansonia, CT to Notre Dame Basilica to raise money for his parish school. Sullivan, an avid cyclist, estimates that the 370-mile bike ride should take him between four and five days.

Assumption School hopes to raise $100,000 to renovate the school gymnasium/auditorium, and also set aside funds for tuition assistance.

According to school Principal Kathy Molner, the school was built in 1910, and has not utilized its school gym since 1968. Students currently walk a half block to the City of Ansonia Armory gym to take physical education classes.

Before leaving at 9:30 a.m. on June 1st, Rev. Sullivan will receive a special farewell from pre-K and kindergarten students who will ride their tricycles in the Ansonia Armory parking lot in his honor and say a prayer for him.

Rev. Anthony Smith, administrator of St. John the Evangelist Parish and School in Watertown, is planning to join Rev. Sullivan on Our Father's Ride, but he will be taking a slightly different route, and is leaving on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th. The two hope to connect at Lake Champlain, NY and arrive at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal together.

Rev. Smith hopes to raise between $5,000 and $10,000 to pay for various projects, namely replacing the roof at the school and advancing its wireless technology. The replacement of the roof is just one part of many upgrades taking place at the school.

Sullivan initiated Our Father's Ride last year when he and nine other priests, including Smith, rode from Litchfield, CT to Emmitsburg, MD to raise money for several schools in the Archdiocese.

About Assumption School: The mission of Assumption School is to: guide students to realize the presence and love of God in their lives and in our world; educate and challenge the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially; provide an opportunity for every child to improve the quality of life for self and for others; and use a variety of technology tools to pursue quality learning opportunities. It is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.

About St. John the Evangelist School:Since 1907, St. John the Evangelist School has been providing a quality Catholic education rooted in a rich tradition and enduring legacy to elementary school students. Administered by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and dedicated Lay personnel, the school offers area residents a quality Catholic education. Its mission is to provide students with a sense of community so they will grow into caring, concerned members of society. It is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.

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